A Qualitative Inquiry into the Phenomenon of Vicarious Resilience in Law Enforcement Officers
Abstract
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) often bear witness to trauma in others, leaving them
vulnerable to vicarious traumatization. Vicarious resilience can counterbalance the
negative effects of trauma work and help individuals avoid vicarious traumatization. This
study investigated the phenomenon of vicarious resilience in 10 LEOs. The research
questions focused on how the LEOs experienced witnessing victims demonstrate
resilience during adversity and how they themselves were impacted by that experience. A
phenomenological methodology and semi-structured interviews were used to explore the
participants’ experiences. Constructivist self-development theory and vicarious resilience
were the conceptual frameworks used to explain how LEOs experience vicarious trauma
and vicarious resilience. Phenomenological analysis was used to organize the data and
assist in the development of themes regarding the nature of the participants’ lived
experiences. Analysis of the LEOs interview transcriptions generated 19 themes;
including LEOs feel encouraged from witnessing victims’ determination to live in the
face of death, LEOs are motivated to reevaluate their own adversities, LEOs feel inspired
from witnessing and reflecting on victims’ ability to survive trauma, and LEOs carry
hope that future victims will be resilient. Overall, the findings indicated that LEOs
experience positive experiences and personal growth from their work with resilient
victims. Results of this study may be used in law enforcement training to stimulate
positive social change that might improve the well-being of LEOs by providing
awareness on how vicarious resilience can be used as a proactive measure in working
with trauma victims
Description
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Article
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Keywords
vicarious trauma, law enforcement, Vicarious resilience, witnessing violence
Citation
Pair, J. M. (2018). A Qualitative Inquiry into the Phenomenon of Vicarious Resilience in Law Enforcement Officers.